Changing Exhibition
Apollo 16 & Beyond: South Carolina in Space
See how South Carolina astronaut, Gen. Charles Duke, became the 10th man to walk on the lunar surface and more.
Explore the history behind the Apollo 16 lunar mission and the moonwalk of South Carolina astronaut Charles Duke.
NASA’s Apollo 16 mission brought South Carolinian Charles Duke to the Moon on April 27, 1972. Duke, who was raised in Lancaster, became the youngest person to step on the Moon - a record which still stands today.
Apollo 16 & Beyond: South Carolina in Space explores the history of the lunar mission and Charles Duke, as well as other South Carolinians who have made contributions to space exploration. In addition to many Apollo 16 objects, the exhibition features items typically kept in museum collections storage. This includes a flight suit Duke wore while training for the mission and memorabilia from Lancaster’s “Charlie Duke Day” following the astronaut’s return to Earth.
In addition to these special objects, the exhibition also highlights South Carolina scientists and engineers who have contributed to the field of aerospace research and exploration. Looking beyond the Palmetto State, guests can learn more about the people who made important contributions to NASA and the Apollo program, despite social hurdles of their time.
This exhibition is free with museum general admission or membership.
Plan Your Visit
Explore four floors of exhibitions, enjoy 4D theater and planetarium shows and discover the universe in the observatory.
